Everyone knows that the opening night Opera Ball is a glamorous event full of flowers, decorations, food, libations and of course, fashion! But there are many who attend the opening night performance alone, without attending one of the galas--and we wouldn't want them to miss out on the glamor! Every year, Opening Weekend Grand Sponsor Diane B. Wilsey donates a beautiful, hand crafted and unique flower garland to adorn the boxes of the War Memorial Opera House. To most of us, the flowers seem to simply appear on opening night to add a colorful, whimsical decorative element to the special evening...but we knew there was more to it than that. This time, we decided to find out a little bit more about the people and process behind the opening night flower garland. And boy, did we learn a lot!

Planning for Opera in the Park begins a full year ahead of the event. The first (and maybe most important) step happens the day after the previous year’s concert, when we call San Francisco Rec & Park to reserve our date.

You might recall that back in May we announced our first ever ‘Snap and Post to Win’ contest. The concept was (and is) simple: If you’re out being your fabulous self, attending an opera performance, we want to see you at our Photo Corner! If you share your photo with us, you’ll be entered in drawings for two fabulous prizes!

Sitting around a table enjoying happy hour with a couple of my brother’s friends, I casually mentioned that I had attended a performance of The Marriage of Figaro and really enjoyed it. One friend, who I shall do the service of not naming, said “Anna, I didn’t realize you attended operas!” “Oh!,” I replied, “it’s one of the great perks of working at San Francisco Opera—I get to see every production we do!” “Wait,” he said, “you work at the Opera?” He started laughing, and unfortunately continued: “I imagine you and seven other people crammed around a table sewing a bustier or something.”

As we get ready for the 2012-13 Season and the 90th anniversary of San Francisco Opera, we thought it would be fun to share some interesting factoids on the Company. This is by no means a comprehensive list--we could go on for days but we've got a show to put on! However, we are open to suggestions, what other by the number facts would you like to know? Post your question on our Facebook page or send us a Tweet.

Introduction

Backstage at San Francisco Opera is a fascinating, fast-moving, mysterious and sacred space for the Company’s singers, musicians, dancers, technicians and production crews. Musical and staging rehearsals are on-going, scenery is loaded in and taken out, lighting cues are set, costumes and wigs are moved around and everything is made ready to receive the audience. From the principal singers, chorus and orchestra musicians to the creative teams for each opera, in addition to the many talented folks who don’t take a bow on stage, this blog offers unique insight, both thought-provoking and light-hearted, into the life backstage at San Francisco Opera.